Willis Otieno: Govt has weaponised poverty through criminal gangs
By David Nthua, July 8, 2026Lawyer Willis Otieno has accused the government of weaponising poverty and allowing criminal gangs to operate with protection.
Otieno wrote on X on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, that the administration had failed in its basic responsibility of protecting citizens and maintaining law and order.
“This government has failed its most basic duty to protect its people. It has weaponised poverty, while criminal gangs are sponsored and protected instead of being brought to justice,” Otieno said.
He argued that criminal groups were flourishing as millions of Kenyans struggled with unemployment, poverty, and the rising cost of living.
Criminal gangs
Otieno said the government must investigate and prosecute those financing and protecting criminal gangs.
“When criminals enjoy protection, and citizens live in fear, the rule of law is replaced by impunity,” he said.
“Kenya cannot be built on intimidation, violence, and lawlessness. Those responsible must be held accountable, and every Kenyan deserves equal protection under the law.”
Otieno did not identify the gangs or individuals he accused of sponsoring them.
His remarks come amid growing concern over organised groups disrupting political meetings, attacking citizens and destroying property.
He said ordinary Kenyans had been left to protect themselves while violent groups continued operating without fear of arrest.
“A government that cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens has abandoned one of its core responsibilities,” Otieno said.
“While millions struggle with rising hardship, violent gangs flourish and ordinary Kenyans are left to fend for themselves.”
Equal law enforcement
Otieno called for equal enforcement of the law regardless of political connections or social status.
“No country can prosper when criminals operate with impunity and institutions fail to enforce the law equally,” he said.
He maintained that restoring public confidence would require the government to dismantle criminal networks and protect every citizen.
“Restoring public trust begins with protecting every citizen, dismantling criminal networks, and ensuring that no one is above the law,” Otieno said.